Deep Sea Creatures: Life in the Abyss

The deep ocean below 1,000 meters is the largest habitat on Earth, covering 65% of the planet, yet we have explored less than 5%. Creatures here survive total darkness, crushing pressure, and near-freezing temperatures. Bioluminescence is the rule - over 90% of deep-sea animals produce their own light.

Many have transparent or gelatinous bodies. Gigantism is common: giant isopods, giant squid, giant tube worms. Food is scarce, arriving as marine snow from above.

Many have enormous mouths and expandable stomachs. Pressure at the deepest point is 1,100 atmospheres - enough to crush a submarine..